US Steps Up Pressure, Conveys Concerns to Korean Government Over 'Google Gapjil Prevention Act'

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] It has been confirmed that the U.S. government expressed concerns regarding the so-called 'Google Fair Trade Act,' an amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act currently being promoted in the National Assembly.

According to the office of Jeon Jae-su, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, the Korean Embassy in the U.S. sent an official letter on the 3rd of last month to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Korea Communications Commission. The letter was titled "Results of a phone call with the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) regarding Google’s app store operation policies."

An official from Jeon’s office explained, "This was a message expressing concern because there are specific movements opposing the bill in Korea."

The document was classified as confidential and contained concerns that the amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act targets specific companies. It reportedly included remarks from the USTR Deputy Representative that the bill could adversely affect national interests in terms of trade issues.

Google announced that starting next year, it will apply its in-app payment and 30% commission policy to all apps distributed through Google Play, which sparked strong opposition domestically. In response, the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee proposed an amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act to prevent Google from enforcing mandatory in-app payments.

Although both ruling and opposition parties reached a consensus on passing the amendment, the main opposition party, the People Power Party, shifted to a cautious stance, making the bill’s passage uncertain. A National Assembly official said, "While the U.S. may not take active measures due to concerns over sovereignty infringement, movements opposing the bill will continue to arise."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.